Solar Atmospheres files patent application for 600hp gas blower operating in argon gas
February 22, 2019
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Solar Atmospheres, Souderton, Pa., has filed a Patent Application with the U.S. Patent Office, application number 15/999,873 for a high pressure, rapid gas quenching vacuum furnace utilizing an isolation transformer in the blower motor power system.
The gas quench with a 600 HP motor operates at 460 volts in argon gas, utilizing a double wound, Magnetic Specialties Inc. electrical isolation transformer, primary winding 1:1 to the secondary winding, with a variable speed drive and solid state electrical spike protection for motor arc suppression.
www.solaratm.com
Solar Atmospheres, Souderton, Pa., has filed a Patent Application with the U.S. Patent Office, application number 15/999,873 for a high pressure, rapid gas quenching vacuum furnace utilizing an isolation transformer in the blower motor power system.
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Wisconsin Oven ships solution treat system to a supplier of the aerospace industry
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Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, has shipped an electrically heated horizontal quench solution treat system to a supplier of the aerospace industry for treating a mixture of aluminum and steel.
The horizontal quench solution treat system has a maximum oven operating temperature of 1200°F and work zone dimensions of 5 ft. 4 in. wide x 5 ft. 6 in. long x 5 ft 4 in. high (above the rollers).
Guaranteed temperature uniformity of ±5°F at set points of 250°F and 550°F and ±10°F at set points of 980°F and 1100°F was documented with a nine point temperature uniformity survey in an empty oven chamber under static operating conditions in accordance with AMS 2750E.
This horizontal quench system was designed to heat a 565-pound gross load, consisting of a mixture of aluminum and steel, to 1000°F operating temperature, provide a soak at temperature, and then quickly move the load into a quench tank. A powered pusher/extractor is used to load and unload the oven.
A pneumatically operated lift system lowers and raises the load for quenching. This system achieved a quench time from the time the oven door starts to open until the load is fully submerged of less than nine seconds.
“The Horizontal Quench System is a cost-saving alternative to drop bottom systems and results in a quicker ROI,†says Gary Hanson, Senior Application Engineer. “It may actually take up less total floorspace than some drop bottom systems of the same chamber volume.â€
www.wisoven.com
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Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, has shipped an electrically heated horizontal quench solution treat system to a supplier of the aerospace industry for treating a mixture of aluminum and steel.
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uehler’s new Wilson universal hardness testers can hold several indenters and objectives
February 20, 2019
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Buehler, Lake Bluff, Ill., an ITW company, introduces the Wilson UH4000 series universal hardness testers, which are designed for high-volume production labs and the production floor. The UH4000 series is available in two different configurations: the UH4250 and UH4750. Both are designed for several hardness scales, in most cases for higher loads (>5kgf). The UH 4250 has a test load range of 0.5 to 250 kgf; the UH4750 has a test load range of 3 to 750 kgf.
Due to their sturdy design, they are reliable and suitable for rough workshop conditions. Both feature extremely fast testing cycles and a newly developed turret that can hold several indenters and objectives. The operator can test with a variety of methods without the need for manual indenter/objective changes.
The frame and turret cover are made of robust and sturdy castings that protect the highly accurate measurement system and turret assembly against outside influences and collisions. The large 300 mm x 400 mm T-slot stage and the weight capacity enable testing of large heavy specimens.
The unique eight-position turret ensures that all testing tools are installed and no manual exchange of indenters and objective is needed. Closed loop load cell technology ensures high accuracy and repeatability of measurement results.
www.buehler.com
Buehler, Lake Bluff, Ill., introduces the Wilson UH4000 series universal hardness testers, which are designed for high-volume production labs and the production floor.
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Buehler’s new Wilson universal hardness testers can hold several indenters and objectives
Source: ASM International
Buehler, Lake Bluff, Ill., introduces the Wilson UH4000 series universal hardness testers, which are designed for high-volume production labs and the production floor.
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Buehler AutoMet grinder-polishers feature intuitive touch screen, z-axis material removal
February 19, 2019
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Buehler, Lake Bluff, Ill., an ITW company, introduces the AutoMet family of semi-automatic grinder-polishers that feature a new intuitive touch screen interface that is simple to learn and quick to operate. The AutoMet 250, AutoMet 250 Pro, and the AutoMet 300 Pro grinder-polishers are ideal for material testing or for processing a high volume of samples. The AutoMet Pro models also include advanced programming features such as method storage and z-axis material removal to ensure consistent results regardless of operator.
Buehler created the AutoMet Pro grinder polishers to expedite the sample preparation process and improve the quality of the samples, while saving time and money in the training of laboratory technicians. Customers have already noted the difference it makes in their daily production. It has eliminated constantly setting the machine and the possibility of human error. The AutoMet supports complex lab applications and is also ideal for high throughput labs especially in the automobile, aerospace, medical device, electronics, heat treating, metals, and other manufacturing industries.â€
Buehler’s non-programmable AutoMet 250 grinder-polisher offers push-button controls and digital readouts. All AutoMet models have been redesigned for a new look and feel, while retaining the reliability that comes with the Buehler name. Quick cleaning features such as an adjustable water spout, 360-degree bowl rinse, and bowl liners save time and effort during daily cleaning.
Reproducibility and automation can be further improved by integrating the Burst Dispensing System, which also optimizes abrasive usage to save on consumables. Another new highlight of the AutoMet grinder-polishers is “Rinse and Spin,†which cleans polishing surfaces and the platen at the press of a button. Buehler also offers a complete line of compatible accessories (splash guard, recirculation tank, disposable bowl liner and more) and consumables (silicon carbide grinding discs, diamond grinding discs, polishing cloths and diamond suspensions and pastes) that are available in the online shop.
www.buehler.com
Buehler, Lake Bluff, Ill., an ITW company, introduces the AutoMet family of semi-automatic grinder-polishers that feature a new intuitive touch screen interface that is simple to learn and quick to operate.
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High-temperature nickel superalloy to improve efficiency of coal-fired power plants
February 14, 2019
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The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, in partnership with Energy Industries of Ohio Inc., is set to scale up the fabrication of components made from advanced nickel superalloys that will help bring advanced ultrasupercritical (AUSC) power plant technology to the level of readiness for commercial-scale demonstration.
Conventional coal-fired power plants, which generate steam to drive a power generation turbine, operate with efficiencies varying from 32 to 42 percent, depending upon the age and design of the plant. AUSC power plants can potentially operate at temperatures and pressures higher than current state-of the-art coal-fired power plants—about 25 percent more efficient than the average U.S. coal-fired power plant fleet, and 10 percent more efficient than state-of-the-art coal-fired power plants. AUSC power plants would require less coal per megawatt-hour, resulting in lower emissions and lower fuel costs per megawatt.
Successful widespread use of AUSC technology requires fabrication of advanced nickel superalloys into large plant components; development of installation and repair methods for the nickel superalloy components; and sufficient testing and metallurgical analysis to support the final design of a commercial-scale AUSC demonstration plant.
Since the early 2000s, NETL has been working with a partnership to conduct AUSC research. This partnership consists of the Energy Industries of Ohio, the Electric Power Research Institute, and industry partners known as the AUSC Consortium. Together, they have done research to the point that the fabrication of AUSC nickel components is ready to be built at full commercial scale—the last stage of research and development before a commercial-scale demonstration of AUSC power plant technology can be implemented.
Private-sector partners involved in the current phase of the AUSC project include Energy Industries of Ohio, Electric Power Research Institute, ALSTOM Power Division of General Electric, Riley Power, MetalTek, Special Metals, and AECOM
www.netl.doe.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), in partnership with Energy Industries of Ohio Inc., is set to scale up the fabrication of components made from advanced nickel superalloys that will help bring advanced ultrasupercritical (AUSC) power plant technology to the level of readiness for commercial-scale demonstration.
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U.S. Steel to restart pipe mill in Texas and EAF construction in Alabama
Source: ASM International
United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, announces plans to restart the No. 1 Electric-Weld Pipe Mill at Lone Star Tubular Operations in Lone Star, Texas, and also to restart construction on a technologically advanced electric arc furnace steelmaking facility at its Tubular Operations in Fairfield, Ala.
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Xerox acquires Vader Systems for its liquid-metal additive manufacturing technology
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Xerox, Norwalk, Conn., announces that it has acquired metal additive manufacturing company Vader Systems, which will enable it to offer its customers access to low-cost metal additive manufacturing with a greater variety of metals.
“Manufacturing customers want to use 3D printing, but the current offerings only serve the prototyping market well, not broad manufacturing,†the company stated. “Xerox-developed, acquired and partnered printing, software and material technologies are expected to deliver the productivity, materials range and cost and design tools to enable part manufacturing.â€
Based in Buffalo, New York, Vader Systems is a developer of liquid metal additive manufacturing technology which primarily uses affordable metal wire feedstock. Its offerings include the Vader Polaris liquid metal AM system, the Magnet-o-Jet subsystem for hybrid manufacturing equipment integration, and the Ares microsphere production system for the production of spherical metal powders.
www.xerox.com
www.vadersystems.com
Xerox, Norwalk, Conn., announces that it has acquired metal additive manufacturing company Vader Systems, which will enable it to offer its customers access to low-cost metal additive manufacturing with a greater variety of metals.
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Arconic to invest $100 million to expand aluminum hot-mill capability in Tennessee
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Arconic Inc., New York, announces an investment of approximately $100 million to expand its hot-mill capability and add downstream equipment capabilities to manufacture industrial and automotive aluminum products in its Tennessee Operations facility near Knoxville.
Customer commitments for the majority of the anticipated increase in capacity are already in place, and the remainder is expected to be filled by projected customer demand. The expansion, which is expected to create 70 new jobs, is already underway and is expected to be complete by the fourth quarter of 2020.
“This investment will add capacity to meet growing demand for industrial products and automotive aluminum sheet,†says Tim Myers, President of Arconic’s Global Rolled Products business. “With this expansion, we are further diversifying the portfolio of one of our largest North American facilities.â€
The industrial market consists of products made with common alloy aluminum sheet, which is used in applications for commercial transportation, appliances, machinery, and construction.
In the automotive market, aluminum is used in applications from bumper to bumper, and demand for automotive aluminum sheet in North America is expected to double in the next ten years, according to a report published in July 2017 by independent research firm Ducker Worldwide. Arconic’s expansion of the Tennessee facility’s capacity continues its growth strategy which originated with its $300 million expansion (completed in 2015) to capture growing demand for automotive aluminum sheet.
www.arconic.com
Arconic Inc., New York, announces an investment of approximately $100 million to expand its hot-mill capability and add downstream equipment capabilities to manufacture industrial and automotive aluminum products in its Tennessee Operations facility near Knoxville.
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Tecnar Automation offers Individual particle characterization device for cold spray processes
February 8, 2019
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Tecnar Automation Ltd., Quebec, reports that its Coldspraymeter is the ideal tool for researchers and production managers involved in cold spray processes. Monochromatic light is shone onto the system’s measurement volume to illuminate the cold particles that would otherwise be impossible to see. They are then characterized (velocity, size, flux) based on the back-scattered light.
The data is available as CSV files and can be easily accessed via Ethernet or a USB jump drive. Based on the time-tested Dpv principle, the Coldspraymeter can characterize particles individually and provide complete velocity and size distributions (not only mean values). Its intuitive touch screen user interface makes it easy to integrate into daily operations.
It helps to validate fluid dynamic models, optimize spray nozzles, develop and optimize spray parameters, maximize deposit efficiency, and monitor the process during production runs. Its intuitive touch screen user interface makes it easy to integrate into daily operations. The data is available as CSV files and can be easily accessed via Ethernet or a USB jump drive.
www.tecnar.com
Tecnar Automation ltd., Quebec, reports that its Coldspraymeter is the ideal tool for researchers and production managers involved in cold spray processes.
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